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Overview of the Project
While on the road to recovery from its devastating economic past, Uganda 's people are still heavily affected by the world-wide pandemic of AIDS. Children are often born to AIDS-infected parents who often pass away before begin able to make any kind of contribution to these children's lives.
Presently, there are social-improving, issue-aware organizations which care for these orphaned children – providing them with shelter, education, and nutrition – while simultaneously supplying them with much-needed love, companionship as well as a solid foundation to meet their needs and nurture their interests, goals and ultimately make their dreams for a brighter future come to fruition.
The majority of these orphanages aim to offer care for these children by offering a homely environment, education (with classes for children of all ages), and skill-training opportunities (i.e. carpentry, tailoring) which will eventually prove out to be income-generating trades – ensuring these children becoming contributing members of the community further down the road. Most importantly, these Uganda-based orphanage programs are resource poor, understaffed and need virtually any and all assistance possible in continuing to offer these vitally important programs to a generation in drastic need of both guidance, education and (most importantly) compassion.
Role of the Volunteer
There are many areas where volunteers can use their education and personal skills in providing meaningful contributions in the lives of these orphaned, hunger-stricken children of Uganda . Areas needing assistance include education (Basic English, mathematics, science, etc.), skill-training, sanitation (i.e. personal hygiene), and administrative duties (helping run the orphanage and its various outreach programs).
Some activities include:
• Teaching English, health and personal hygiene
• Entertain children and coordinate extracurricular activities (i.e. games)
• Assist the children with their homework
• Take the children sight-seeing, on picnics, to the zoo
• Educational and cultural visits/tours
• Escort the children to the school
• Art-related activities (drawing, painting, etc.)
• Visiting homes where other children are with caregivers/guardians
(NOTE: Above are sample activities and vary from day-to-day depending on the schedule of school. The local staff members and teachers may request your help in various activities that prove beneficial to the children.)
Skills/Qualifications Needed
There are no specific qualifications needed for this particular program. However, volunteers interested in participating in this program should have a passion for caring for orphans and a willingness to share their time, energy and compassion with these in-need children.
Room/Food/Supervision
Global Crossroad manages living accommodations and meals for volunteer. In most cases, these arranged accommodations are set up in local, Ugandan host families who provide three (3) meals a day.
Location Description
Kampala is the capital and largest city (population of approximately 1.2 million) of Uganda and is just 10 km from Lake Victoria . The city of Kampala offers a plethora of attractions such as Ssezibwa Falls , the Ugandan National Theater, the very active Balikuddembe Market and Nakasero Market as well as numerous historical sites providing glimpses into Uganda 's past. Said to have been built on seven different hills, each hill plays some significance in Uganda 's history.
Jinja is the second largest commercial center in Uganda and is located in southeast Uganda – approximately 87 km from the capital city of Kampala . Located on the shores of Lake Victoria and close to the source of the White Nile River , Jinja offers the many effects of a small town such as a post office, a town hall, a hospital, a golf course and numerous internet cafes. Echoes of Jinja's Indian influence are reflected in the city's architecture. Some of Jinja's attractive features include whitewater-rafting, a brewery, Bujagali Falls (a kayakers' heaven) as well as an animal sanctuary, and memorials for both Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha in addition to an active Hindu temple.
Iganga is the chief town of the Iganga District and boasts several internet cafes, guest houses and an active market in the town's center. Situated almost at the Equator, Iganga is approximately 25 km from Lake Victoria and the source of the White Nile . Iganga has a population of approximately 35,000 with 85% of its people living off of the land's natural resources. The markets offer over 200 stalls while the town itself offers over 600 shops. The Mwaana Hotel is a popular destination – offering both an internet café and a restaurant.
Program Fees:
http://www.globalcrossroad.com/ugandaprogramfee.php
Ongoing Programs in Jinja, Iganga, Kampala (South part of Uganda)
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Orphanage Program 